Converting your empire into a REIT

[Sam Green]

I was just thinking about something. What would it take to convert your properties into a REIT? Seems like a cool idea to me. Turn your empire public - sell shares - get financing to grow. Although you lose in some ways (control, % ownership), you gain through the influx of cash, and the reduction of risk.

Does anyone know about doing this? Is it even possible, or do you need to start out as a public entity?